28. Silas

28

SILAS

C lara disappears through the Evergreen Falls Care Home entrance. The mid-morning sun reflects off the fresh snow, making the scene appear deceptively peaceful. My black Audi blends with the other vehicles in the visitor parking lot—just another concerned family member visiting their elderly relative.

My phone buzzes. Clara's GPS signal shows she's in the room now, exactly where she should be. The camera pin I gave her transmits a clear feed of her conversation with her father on my app. Their voices filter through my earpiece as I adjust the volume.

I watch Clara as she holds her father's hand. I imagine there are tears in her eyes as she explains she has to leave—she has to go back to New York. My chest tightens at the sight of her distress. Strange are these new feelings she stirs in me.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'll call you on Christmas Day, I promise."

I close the app not wanting to watch anymore.

A car door slams beside me. My heart rate spikes, but it's just a visitor. Still, time grows short. James may be slow, but he's thorough. Once he discovers that the man who was dating his consultant on the case was indeed the man who killed his victims, the manhunt will begin.

I check my watch. Clara should be heading to the precinct soon. Like clockwork, she appears from the care home and heads to her car, throwing one quick glance my way.

My beautiful, complicated Clara.

I trail Clara's silver Prius at a careful distance, keeping three cars between us. The police precinct looms ahead, its brick facade a stark reminder of the danger we face. My hands grip the wheel tighter as Clara signals her turn into the parking lot.

I cruise past, noting the handful of squad cars near the entrance. Two uniformed officers chat by the front steps, coffee cups in hand. Amateur hour. None of them notice my black Audi as I circle the block.

The adjacent strip mall offers the perfect vantage point. I ease into a spot between a delivery van and an SUV, positioning my car for a clear view of the entrance while remaining hidden from casual observation.

Clara's slim figure emerges from her car. The winter wind whips her blonde hair as she hurries inside, clutching her bag close. The camera pin gives me a bobbing view of the precinct through my phone screen.

I keep the engine running, as the last thing I need is foggy windows drawing attention.

My heart rate stays steady, and my breathing is controlled. This is just another performance, another careful dance of appearing unremarkable. I've perfected this art over years of hunting. Yet, something feels different today. My usual cold focus is disrupted by thoughts of Clara—her soft skin, her willing submission, the way she sees the darkness in me and doesn't flinch.

I watch through my hidden camera as Clara enters James's office. Her shoulders slump—the perfect posture of someone carrying too much weight. She's learned well from our late-night discussions how to play this role.

"James, I need to talk to you." Her voice trembles.

James looks up from his stack of files. "What's wrong?"

"I can't do this anymore." Clara sinks into the chair across from him. "These murders... they're too similar to what happened back then. To Rose." Her hands shake as she wipes at her eyes. "And Dad... he barely recognized me this morning."

I drum my fingers against my steering wheel, watching the precinct entrance. The urge to go to her burns through me, but I stay put. This has to play out naturally.

"I need to go back to New York. Clear my head." Clara's voice cracks. "I'm sorry to leave you with this case, but?—"

"Hey, no." James rounds his desk, reaching for her shoulder. My jaw clenches. "Your health comes first. Take all the time you need."

Clara nods, standing. "I'll pack tonight. Leave first thing tomorrow."

I watch through the precinct's security feed as James puts his hand on Clara's shoulder. My fingers dig into the steering wheel.

"With the evidence we've gathered, we'll catch this bastard soon," James says. "The lab results from the last scene gave us more than usual."

Clara nods, wrapping her arms around herself. "You've got a solid team. I was probably just getting in the way, overthinking everything."

"That's not true." James steps closer. My jaw clenches. "Your insights have been invaluable."

"Maybe." Clara shrugs, moving away from his touch. Good girl. "But fresh eyes might help. Sometimes, being too close makes you miss things."

James pinches the bridge of his nose. "I hate to admit it, but you're right. Go home, take care of yourself. We can handle it from here."

"Thanks for being so understanding." Clara grabs her bag. "I'll email you my final notes before I leave."

I switch off the feed as Clara heads for the exit. Everything's falling into place. James thinks he's close to catching me while Clara prepares for our escape. The irony would be delicious if I wasn't so focused on the countdown in my head.

Twenty-four hours until we disappear. Twenty-four hours until Clara and I can fully embrace who we are.

The precinct door opens. Clara emerges, her blonde hair catching the winter sunlight. She walks to her car without looking around, playing her part perfectly.

I start my car as she exits the building. She climbs into her car, and I follow at a distance.

My beautiful, clever Clara. Who but me would have thought she'd choose the darkness over the light? But then again, maybe she was always meant to walk this path with me.